Chlorine Bleach:

What is it?

Did you know that a pesticide is added to
your washing machine to help keep your white clothes white? This pesticide
is also found in many household cleaning products that contain a "disinfectant"
to kill germs. And it is found in household products used to clean mold
and mildew from your shower or tub. Can you guess what this pesticide
is? Chlorine Bleach!

You wouldn't think that ordinary chlorine
bleach is a pesticide - but it is. Because it kills bacteria- and viruses
it is called a disinfectant or an antimicrobial pesticide. And because
it kills fungi and molds it is also known as a fungicide.

If you are responsible for doing laundry or
other types of cleaning as some of your chores around the house, you may
be using liquid chlorine bleach to do the job. If so, you need to be sure
to always "Read the Label First" to know how
to properly use this product and for safety information. Also, be sure
your parents know what household products you are using. They can make
sure you use them safely.

What's in it?

Standard household bleach contains the chemical
sodium hypochlorite.

What health and safety things
do you need to think about with chlorine bleach?

Liquid bleach in the bottle is a 5.25% sodium
hypochlorite solution. That means 5.25% of the liquid is the chemical
sodium hypochlorite and the rest is mostly water. The number 5.25% tells
you how strong the concentration of a chemical is. Look at the labels
of other household cleaning products that contain bleach in your home.
Some contain sodium hypochlorite or chlorine bleach in concentrations
of .7%, 1.8% and 2.4%.

Never mix a chlorine bleach with any
other household or cleaning products. Doing so can result in
different types of harmful acids being formed. Poisonous gasses can also
be released that will cause very serious breathing problems.

Always be careful when using chlorine bleach.
Because it comes in 1 gallon jugs the container can be a little hard to
handle. Spills and splashes happen. Not only will the bleach damage your
clothing but it is irritating to your skin and can cause serious damage
to your eyes, even blindness. As with any chemical, your exposure
to it is important to know.

What do you do if you or
someone you're with has an accident with household products?